used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
acquiringnounUS /əˈkwaɪrɪŋ/
the act of acquiring something
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
a youthful male person
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
BradleynounUS /ˈbrædli/
United States politician who was elected the first black mayor of Los Angeles (1917-1998)
From this reading "What?" said Mr. Bradley, puzzled.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
broadlyadverbUS /ˈbrɔːdli/
without regard to specific details or exceptions
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
capacitynounUS /kəˈpæsəti/
capability to perform or produce
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
certaintynounUS /ˈsɜːrtənti/
the state of being certain
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
chuckverbUS /tʃʌk/
throw carelessly
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
the body of faculty and students of a college
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
declarationnounUS /ˌdeklərˈeɪʃən/
a statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
wanted intensely
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
developverbUS /dɪˈveləp/
make something new, such as a product or a mental or artistic creation
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
educatingverbUS /ˈedʒəkeɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “educate” — give an education to
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
elderlyadjectiveUS /ˈeldərli/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
encouragedadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒd/
inspired with confidence
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
fifty-fouradjective
being four more than fifty
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
the act of departing
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
grindingnounUS /ˈɡraɪndɪŋ/
material resulting from the process of grinding
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
guardiannounUS /ˈɡɑːrdiən/
a person who cares for persons or property
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
HoughtonnounUS /ˈhɔːtən/
United States publisher who founded a printing shop that became an important book publisher (1823-1895)
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
unbiased impartial unconcern
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
locustnounUS /ˈloʊkəst/
migratory grasshoppers of warm regions having short antennae
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
mailnounUS /meɪl/
the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
joined in matrimony
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
mastiffnounUS /ˈmæstəf/
an old breed of powerful deep-chested smooth-coated dog used chiefly as a watchdog and guard dog
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
Maurice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
MondaynounUS /ˈmʌndi/
the second day of the week; the first working day
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
a form of address for a man
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
olderadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldər/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
puppynounUS /ˈpʌpi/
a young dog
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
filled with bewilderment
From this reading "What?" said Mr. Bradley, puzzled.
with speed
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
rollickingadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːlɪkɪŋ/
given to merry frolicking
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "What?" said Mr. Bradley, puzzled.
express in words
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
term of address for a man
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
come to a halt, stop moving
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
tutorverbUS /ˈtuːtər/
be a tutor to someone; give individual instruction
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The first of these educating moments came on Monday, when he went to see his tutor, to say that he was--well, he was going to stop grinding.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
at the time that
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "I'm going to chuck college, sir," Maurice said, and smiled broadly, with the rollicking certainty of sympathy that a puppy shows when approaching an elderly mastiff.
be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy
From this reading In spite of his declaration of indifference to the feelings of his guardian, the married boy was rapidly acquiring that capacity for "worry" which Mr. Houghton desired to develop in him.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading _What would the mail bring him from Green Hill?_ It brought nothing for a week--a week in which he experienced certain bad moments which encouraged "worry" to a degree that made his face distinctly older than on that morning under the locust tree, when he had been married for fifty-four minutes.
